Credit: The Associated Press

Avigdor Lieberman (File)

JERUSALEM — Hard-line politician Avigdor Lieberman looks set to emerge as a new and unpredictable player in U.S.-backed Mideast peace efforts after being cleared in a corruption trial on Wednesday, further complicating an already troubled negotiating climate with the Palestinians.

Expected to return to his job as foreign minister, Lieberman, one of Israel's most powerful and polarizing leaders, will likely use his significant political clout to argue against concessions to the Palestinians. But some say that Lieberman is a pragmatist with a hard edge who might yet surprise.